Witchaven

Witchaven is a computer game developed using an early version of 3D Realms' Build engine. Although technically a first-person shooter, the game had distinct role-playing and fantasy elements to it, including character progression and a focus on hand-to-hand combat.

Story

The player takes on the role of a knight named Grondoval, who has been chosen to travel to the volcanic island of Char and storm the Witchaven, a massive subterranean maze carved out underneath years ago by the evil witch known as Illwhyrin. Illwhyrin seeks to lift a dimensional barrier known as the Veil, which separates the game's universe from a chaotic void known as the Nether Reaches. Unless she is stopped, each day brings her closer to creating a permanent portal through the Veil and allowing the demons to traverse into the Prime Realms.

Gameplay

There are 10 weapons in Witchaven: Bare fists, dagger, short sword, morning star, Broadsword, battle axe, bow, pike axe (can be used as a melee weapon or thrown), two-handed sword and halberd.

One of the more noteworthy features of Witchaven was that its weapons were not infinitely durable - with the exceptions of the fists, weapons would break down with repeated use, and replacements would need to be found. A potential problem with this system lies in the fact that weapons obtained early were more likely to break due to their lower quality than weapons earned later in the game. Nevertheless, the idea has cropped up periodically in later games.

In addition to potions which the player can drink for health, stamina, fire resistance and more, there are several spells which can be cast in Witchaven. These include Freeze, Scare, Fly, Unlock and Fireball.

There are a plethora of monsters the player must contend with, including goblins, ogres, fire drakes and willow wisps. The final boss of the game is the evil Illwhyrin.

Sequel

External links